From South Auckland to Waratahs: Family drives Moananu’s Super Rugby journey

South Auckland hooker Ioane Moananu marked his NSW Waratahs debut with two tries, but says family and culture drive his Super Rugby journey

The 25-year-old De La Salle College old boy impressed when he came off the bench in Round Two of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season on 20 February, scoring twice against the Fijian Drua.

Speaking on Pacific Huddle, Moananu says the move overseas has been a major step in his career, but representing his Sāmoan roots at the elite level remains central to his motivation.

His signing with the Waratahs follows time in the Crusaders system and a relocation from Christchurch to Sydney.

NSW Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar and his coaching staff were impressed by Moananu’s development since his 2023 Super Rugby debut with the Crusaders, particularly his breakthrough performances last season. The versatile hooker played 12 games for the Crusaders, scoring five tries.

Despite previous Super Rugby experience, Moananu says running out in a Waratahs jersey felt like starting again.

Moananu made his Waratahs debut after time in the Crusaders system. Photo/Waratahs

“I was so nervous as well, to be honest… honestly, it felt like my first game again,” he says.

Moananu says his jersey presentation was especially emotional, with his girlfriend present and a recorded message from his mother played during the ceremony, a contrast to his earlier Crusaders debut where family were unable to attend.

“My mum means the world to me… I broke down straight away when I’d seen it,” he says.

He acknowledges the doubt sometimes placed on players coming through South Auckland pathways.

Listen to the full interview with Ioane Moananu on Facebook.

“A lot of people say that you can’t make it from there,” he says. “To be one of the stories from people that come out there, I’m very grateful.”

“Proud, man… I’m honestly blessed and very grateful to be representing not only my school, but my people as well, my family as well,” Moananu says.

Moananu says the transition on the field has been smooth, crediting the Waratahs environment.

“All the boys at the Waratahs have been real good… they made me feel like a part of the family straight away,” he says.

Moananu says the transition on the field has been smooth, crediting the Waratahs environment. Photo/Waratahs.

Off the field, adjusting to Sydney’s size and pace has been the biggest shift.

“It was probably the biggest thing I had to get used to, the traffic and how big the city and how fast the city goes,” he says.

He also highlights the impact of Pacific support in Sydney’s large diaspora community.

“Just seeing our people there to support, man, it fills me with joy. It gives me so much happiness,” he says.

Warathah's coaching staff were impressed by Moananu’s development since his 2023 Super Rugby debut with the Crusaders. Photo/Waratahs.

Within the Waratahs environment, Moananu says coaches have encouraged him to stay true to his strengths.

“They picked me for a reason… they’ve told me not to change my game and just keep being myself,” he says.

Looking ahead, Moananu says his focus remains on growth and consistency, while representing the family and culture that shaped him.

The Waratahs had a bye this weekend, but after two rounds have two wins, beating the Reds in the first round 36-12 and then Drua 36-13.